Trying to quit smoking? Feeling the urge to smoke? Use these ideas to help quitters stay committed:
Avoid temptation. Stay away from people and places that tempt you to smoke.
Change your habits. Switch to juices or water instead of alcohol or coffee. Choose foods that don’t make you want to smoke.
Take a brisk walk instead of a smoke break.
Choose other things for your mouth, such as sugarless gum or hard candy, raw vegetables, or sunflower seeds.
Exercise or do something that keeps your hands busy, such as needlework or woodworking, which can help distract you from the urge to smoke.
Take a hot bath, go for a walk, or read a book.
Breathe deeply. When the urge strikes, breathe deeply and picture your lungs filling with fresh, clean air.
Delay. If you feel you are about to light up, hold off. Tell yourself you must wait at least 10 minutes. Often this simple trick will allow you to move beyond the strong urge to smoke.
Reward yourself. Put the money you would have spent on tobacco in a jar every day and then buy yourself a weekly treat.
You can also reward yourself in ways that don’t cost money. Visit a park or go to the library.
Tips courtesy of the American Cancer Society, Great American Smokeout